About

The Parish of the Nativity of Christ was formally organized and established in 1969. At first, the parish worshipped in temporary facilties. In 1974, it found a semi-permanent home at St. Vincent’s Church and School for Boys in Marinwood, and remained there until the contruction of our own church edifice in 1980.

Our present site in Novato was purchased in 1972, and plans for the building of a church and educational and recreational facilities were begun. By the grace of God, and much hard work, ground was broken in July 1979 for the first phase of construction, which included the church and the office and classroom building. Construction was completed a year later, and the church and classroom building were officially dedicated on September 28, 1980.

On September 16, 1990 ground was broken for the second phase of construction, our multi-purpose fellowship center. Construction of the fellowship center was completed in 1992, and it was officially opened and dedicated on October 11, 1992. Our present facilities include our house of worship, a classroom and office complex, and a multi-purpose fellowship center.
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In 1979, the church chose as its official name The Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. Ground was broken for the church on Sunday, July 8, 1979 by Bishop Anthony of blessed memory. In October and November 1979, the foundation for the church and administration building was poured, using volunteer help whenever possible. In May 1980, less than a year later, construction of the church and administration building was completed.

The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in our new church on Sunday, June 1, 1980, and on September 28, 1980, Bishop Anthony officiated at the official opening – Thiranixia – of the church.

After serving the parish for almost fourteen years, Father James Adams was called to become the Chancellor of the Diocese, and in September of 1984, Father Constantine Efstathiu was appointed as the pastor of the Nativity of Christ Church.

In 1992, the Fellowship Hall was completed, providing the parish with a multi-purpose facility that serves as a gymnasium with a regulation High School basketball court and volleyball court, a lecture hall, and a banquet facility for parish dinners and receptions and our parish’s annual Greek Festival.

On October 4, 2003, during the Great Vespers of Consecration, Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory carried the relics of Saint Panteleimon, Saint Cyricus, and of the Holy Martyrs of Raitho to the Altar Table of the church. On the morning of October 5, 2003, by the grace of God, the Nativity of Christ Church was consecrated.

In faith and devotion to our Savior Jesus Christ and His Church, we are priviledged to share our time, talents, and treasure to actively support and perpetuate Christ’s teachings, building on the foundations laid by those who have gone before us.